July 13th, 2017
The growth of the serviced business centre is one of the UK’s biggest success stories of the past few years.
The value of the sector in the UK has been put at £16 billion, if you use conventional methods, and even this might be a conservative estimate. The area is likely to grow much bigger, too, with some analysts saying its net worth could be as high as £126 billion by 2025.
Serviced office to let supplier Basepoint has 32 centres spread right across southern England and in the Midlands. Here we look at how such business centres can operate as a miniature community, and what benefits they can offer your SME.
Benefits of Back-Up Services
If you are moving into serviced office accommodation, then a lot of areas will be taken care of for you. You won’t have to worry about things like internet, phones and wi-fi connections as these will typically be included as part of your deal. Centres have breakout areas where you and your staff can relax; while another benefit is the availability of separate serviced meeting rooms which can be hired on a ‘pay per use’ basis.
Knowing that someone else is taking care of these basics means you will be able to channel your energies into more creative, profitable areas of your business.
Networking and Other Events
Many centres valuable additional extras on top of the basic services. At Basepoint we host networking events in our communal areas. This provides a valuable chance for tenants to get to know their neighbours and members of the wider business community, such as the local Chamber of Commerce.
Events such as coffee mornings mean you can discuss areas of mutual interest and also identify new clients and customers. If you have a problem, then your new neighbours might be able to help you sort it out.
Networking is also a simple, cost-effective way of getting your company’s name ‘out there’. Once you get to know someone from another small business, it is likely they will bear you in mind if and when they need someone to carry out the type of services you provide, and rewarding relationships can be built.
Many centres also lay on special presentations, such as bringing in guest speakers to talk about subjects like staff training or recent changes in the law. As well as benefiting licensees, these can also be open to the wider business world.
The serviced business centre can also keep you abreast of issues in the wider business world. Many have their own publications and also stock regional magazines in their breakout areas, keeping you in touch with local commercial issues. The community also extends online, with many centres having their own websites.
If you are looking for a serviced office to let, then Basepoint has 32 business centres to choose from, including locations at Dartford, Broxbourne and Eastcote near London. If you rent office space from us, then you will be able to link up with scores of other SMEs who may be able to help you develop your business.
